D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad

--- Kamiko ---

Kamiko left her conversation with Church and Brook once more people started to trickle in. Specifically, she wanted to find out if she'd missed anything after she went to bed from Hunter.

The lamia was happy to explain, but most of what had happened involved some glaring at Church, some more glaring at the people glaring at Church considering how badly Kamiko had scared everyone else in turn… as well as sorting things out between Kat and Meg.

Apparently the plan was for that to be dealt with later today. If Kat could lift both it would be an easy trip to the camp Kat had set up and back. Kat could simply avoid the bubbles and without needing to worry about Bower she could fly at almost full speed. If Kat couldn't carry both? Then apparently Meg had a few alternative plans, but Kamiko was hopeful those weren't be needed.

Mostly because she really didn't want to know what Meg had in mind for those alternatives.

Once that had been covered the room was essentially full again. She was somewhat interested in the fact the workout crew were now hanging out with Church and Brook, but a quick bit of eavesdropping revealed they were looking for the pair's notes on packing along with assistance with their own. Brook and Church had agreed to help in return for some extra space the workout crew would likely have.

Considering Corela was using a lottery system to hand out spatial items, and the workout crew had twice the number of people it was likely they'd be doing fine on space. Then again… exercise equipment did take up a lot of space.

*Hmmm… I wonder if they plan to take a bunch of it? Or maybe just the smaller portable stuff? It could be annoying having to set up and take down all of the equipment when they want to use it. Plus it's inherently more breakable then something like that server Brook and Church want to keep. Even if they are likely tougher the use cases are completely different.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

There's also the fact that if they start to learn magic properly, or even just rank up once or twice it'll all be useless… or will it? I haven't seen the gym here and Corela is at least Rank 2 or 3 so perhaps they designed the equipment with that in mind? I guess I can just ask…*

Kamiko looked around and saw the other groups were grumbling amidst themselves and Kamiko felt herself drawn over to the gardening crew. "… I'm telling you it's a waste of time" said Fonze.

"And I say it isn't," grumbled Sephy.

Kamiko sat down next to, though still a fair bit away from Strek and asked, "What's going on?"

"Well, Sephy saw that the workout crew, and the gamer duo are working out what to take with them when they leave… and she's convinced we should be doing the same. Even if we don't leave right now," Strek glanced over towards where Meg was standing, "we do know we don't have infinite time. Sephy thinks it's best to start organising now so that we'll be ready, and if we end up staying?

It's no major problem. Fonze things that we shouldn't even begin debating until we've decided if we're staying or going,"

"And what do you think?" asked Kamiko.

"I think Sephy is trying to get us to organise things to leave so to get myself and Fonze more accepting of the idea we're going to leave. She can just say 'well we've already got our packing list' and say that we 'might as well give it a go' or something like that. Of course, Fonze isn't any better.

He's hoping that by delaying this and wasting time he can say 'well it's too late now, even if you want to go we don't have time to pack'. So really they're no better then each other," explained Strek.

Kamiko nodded, "Right… but do you think you should be packing at all?"

Strek sighed, "I think what we really should be doing is conferring with Corela about what plants we can safely take with us. Even assuming we don't leave, they still might want the same varieties of fruit and vegetables that grow here after all. It might take some effort, but it could be worth doing… or worth a lot of money if they just sell the seeds,"

"Which is also sidestepping the issue," Kamiko noted.

"Right it IS also sidestepping the issue but it's a good way to keep them from fighting and something that needs to be done either way," explained Strek.

"And do you think you should leave?" asked Kamiko.

"I think… I think I would be more sad that I didn't have my friends with me, wherever I end up. Maybe if we all leave we'll grow apart but I'm certain I'd regret splitting from them more than anything else. My current plan is just to wait and see what gets decided and then go along with it.

I'm not sure I have a preference and my hope is that one of them can browbeat the other into their choice," said Strek.

"And you don't think you could help tilt the scales?" asked Kamiko.

Strek just shrugged and said, "I'm certain I can but I don't know which way I want to tilt it honestly. Though… I might just get started with speaking to Corela on the seeds issue. It's clear these two aren't going to make any progress right now."

Kamiko stood up alongside Strek and let him go on his way. Kamiko did consider following along… but it didn't really matter. She did however, spot Brella all by herself drinking tea in the corner. New person to chat with in mind… and notably ignoring the loudest table consisting of Ben, Sloane, Neoms and Chasen, Kamiko made her way over to the corner.

"Good morning," said Brella with a nod. "I'm not sure you were ever properly introduced to me,"

"Oh, um… I'm Kamiko and… I'm not sure either," answered Kamiko shyly.

"Well, what business do you have with a washed up old maid like myself?" asked Brella.

"That's a bit of a… downer way to talk about yourself," said Kamiko.

Brella shrugged, "I missed a lot more than I thought I had. I may leave the… others to their activities on occasion, try to pretend that I'm not quite so bad and that I am more involved in the lives of the younger generation then they are… but I think it's all hit me just how much I've missed despite that,"

"Well you're the only on here right now," pointed out Kamiko.

"Yes and I don't plan to change that. Corela is right, bringing them into this would just stir up trouble… but that doesn't really change my feelings. Sure I'm here right now… but that's pure coincidence. I nearly missed a completely revolutionary change amongst the kids here… and I worry how long it would've taken me to notice had I not stumbled onto the meeting," explained Brella.

"No sense in worrying about what ifs though right?" asked Kamiko.

Brella sighed, "Well… there is because I'm considering going along with them now. I'm just… not sure how of it is ego talking. A large part of me wants to go and protect them. Act as a mother figure for them while Corela acts as the big scary dragon lady guardian.

I'd be around to cook their food and listen to their problems… and really just do the sorts of things I SHOULD have been doing for a number of years now…

"But… even if I think they might need that extra support is it really right for me to try and take on a mothering roll now? It feels like I'm only trying to do so when it's too late. They don't really NEED a mother anymore so… what would I actually be doing? Would I just be creating problems for Corela and the others?

"And that's not even getting into the fact that making an exception for me specifically will likely cause problems. For both the people left behind who might complain about the special treatment and wanting to go themselves on top of what I explained might happen if I left with them."

"If it really worries you that much… you could always ask them?" suggested Kamiko.

"Of course… but I wouldn't want them to think I was pressuring them," said Brella.

"I understand… but if you don't ask them how will you know? Besides… it won't be the end of the world if things don't work out. I'm sure you can find something to do with your time," said Kamiko.

"Well… I mostly spend it taking care of people. Sure I get involved with the… other stuff, but there's a reason that room has remained sanitary and it isn't the robots. Though… that is a scary thought. Perhaps I need to stay to prevent a viral outbreak," mumbled Brella.

Kamiko really didn't know if that was a joke or not… nor if she should laugh about it even assuming it was one.